P. Whitney Lackenbauer, P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Ph.D.Ph.D.

Associate Professor and ChairDepartment of History

St. Jerome’s University (University of Waterloo)13 October 2010

“We believe that Canadians are excited about the government asserting Canada’s control and sovereignty in the Arctic. We believe that’s one of the big reasons why Canadians are excited and support our plan to rebuild the Canadian Forces. I think it’s practically and symbolically hugely important, much more important than the dollars spent. And I’m hoping that years from now, Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, military and otherwise, will be, frankly, a major legacy of this government.”

Historical Historical OverviewOverview

Strategic / Policy Strategic / Policy frameworksframeworks

Opportunities to Opportunities to leverage DND/CF leverage DND/CF infrastructure infrastructure investments to investments to benefit Northern benefit Northern communities … communities … and vice versaand vice versa

OutlineOutline

‘‘Of all the polar countries, Canada has been the weakest in developing the potential of its Arctic regions and in responding to its full range of responsibilities.’’

Arctic Waters Pollution Prevention Act (100 miles)

To develop a role merely to satisfy the “optical demands” of political sovereignty “would be to build on shifting sands…. It would not be long before somebody noticed that one visit of the Governor General, accompanied by an enthusiastic press corps, can provide a sovereign presence to a remote area much more effectively and much more cheaply than 100 [Canadian Armed Forces] surveillance overflights.”

-- Lawyer Erik Wang, CFHQ, April 1969

Northern Region Headquarters (1970)

NORPLOYs NORPATs Land Force

exercises Rangers

revitalized

Engineers and nation-building Northern Airfields Remote bridges

Joe Clark, House of Commons Debates, 10 Sept. 1985

↑ CF sovereignty exercises and overflights

Forward Operating Locations Fixed sub-surface sonar Polar 8 icebreaker High Arctic Base Nuclear submarines North Warning System

Perform military tasks in support of sovereignty

Inexpensive & effective

Representative Bridge between

military and Aboriginal cultures

Communities benefit Media accolades

End of the Cold War: from controlled military area to potential economic zone

Long range air carriers Maritime Activities Natural Resources Organized Crime Terrorism WMD

Source: AMAP

– 6-8 new Arctic/Offshore Patrol vessels

– Building a deep water Arctic docking and refuelling facility in Nanisivik

– Launched RadarSat-2– Canadian Forces Arctic Training

Centre in Resolute– Polar class icebreaker (CCG)– Arctic Response Company Groups– Yellowknife Reserve Company– Expand and enhance the “Arctic”

(Canadian) Rangers

Six core missions:• Conduct daily domestic and continental

operations, including in the Arctic and through NORAD;

• Support a major international event in Canada;

• Respond to a major terrorist attack; • Support civilian authorities during a crisis in

Canada such as a natural disaster; • Lead and/or conduct a major international

operation for an extended period; and • Deploy forces in response to crises

elsewhere in the world for shorter periods.

Stable, Predictable Funding

Right Equipment and Training

Finally, the Canadian Forces must have the capacity to exercise control over and defend Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic. New opportunities are emerging across the region, bringing with them new challenges. As activity in northern lands and waters accelerates, the military will play an increasingly vital role in demonstrating a visible Canadian presence in this potentially resource rich region, and in helping other government agencies such as the Coast Guard respond to any threats that may arise.

Op NUNAKPUT

Jul-Sept

Op NANOOK

Aug

Op NUNALIVUT

Mar/Apr

Strengthen Canada’s sovereignty Protect our environmental heritage promote economic and social

development Improve Northern governance

“Our vision for the Arctic is a stable, rules-based region with clearly defined boundaries, dynamic economic growth and trade, vibrant Northern communities, and healthy and productive ecosystems.”

“Canada does not anticipate any military challenges in the Arctic and believes that the region is well managed through existing institutions, particularly the Arctic Council.”

A Northern Vision: A Stronger North and a Better Canada (2007) sovereignty comes through sustainable communities,

with robust infrastructure, an educated and capable population, and lower costs of living

encouraged the federal government to collaborate “to enhance monitoring and enforcement capabilities in the Arctic”

“Northern issues must be addressed by Northern voices”

“to support increased efforts by Canada to strengthen bilateral relations with our Arctic neighbours to help ensure that our circumpolar interests remain a priority area for multilateral cooperation.”

“Whether for support of economic development, the enhancement of Canadian sovereignty or the simple matter of equality of northern citizens with those of other areas of Canada, access to and within these regions is integral. Northern transportation infrastructure, where it exists, is ageing and in need of significant re-investment.”

‘‘The Arctic also needs investment in infrastructure. Lack of adequate infrastructure capital currently impedes development of viable small business enterprises that are so necessary for a strong and diversified economy.’’

Mary Simon, ‘‘Inuit Unveil Action Plan to Develop Next Chapter of Inuit Development with

Canada,’’ Address to The Empire Club of Canada, Toronto, 15 February 2007, 3.

Recommendations: Develop a long-term plan to invest

in northern infrastructure Make Canada’s North the world

leader in climate change adaptation Use smart military

investments as the backbone for building the New North

Information technologyMake partnership official policy

“Let me be clear. Canada does not see a conventional military threat in the Arctic in the foreseeable future. 

The real challenges in the region are, therefore, related to safety and security.”

Speech to a conference in Washington, DC, 28 April 2010

Dr. D.E. Atkinson, International Arctic Research Centre, UAF

Benjamin James, US Geological Survey

Military investment and development stimulated by crisis … and often short-lived

Historically, the military has had a direct and indirect influence on northern socio-economic development – often unintentionally

Bold visions to modernize the north have rarely been implemented

Territorial governments and Aboriginal peoples are now central actors in development, demonstrating sovereignty, and defence

Hon. Lawrence Cannon (July 2009): “A strategy is only as good as the action it inspires.”

Need to implement the Northern Strategy Sovereignty well in hand (DFAIT) DND/CF horizon 1 and 2 focus on security

and safety issues (rather than conventional military threats)

Coordinated, sustainable government plan Leverage public-private partnerships?